Paul Friesen, Winnipeg Sun

WINNIPEG - She’s obviously put some thought into what Thursday evening will be like.

Isn’t that what the sports psychologists say you’re supposed to do: visualize?

Olympic bronze medalist Desiree Scott, Winnipeg’s most renowned soccer player, admits she’ll have a hard time fighting back the tears when she pulls on that Maple Leaf and trots out onto the turf.

“It’s kind of like a mini-Olympics for me, believe it or not,” Scott said, Monday. “It’s a huge game. I’ve never played in Winnipeg before in front of my family and friends. So there’s that added pressure, but I’m going to thrive off that excitement. I’m pumped for it.”

More than 25,000 of her closest friends are expected to turn out for the second Canada-U.S. meeting of the year.

The moment Scott is most looking forward to?

“When they announce the starting lineup, walk out there with my Canada jersey on and just take in that stadium feeling,” the 26-year-old said. “It’s going to be an electric crowd. An